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Former Australian captain Michael Clarke expressed his thoughts on the Indian team’s loss against New Zealand in the three-match series. Notably, the side recorded a rare whitewash in a home Test series to New Zealand for the first-time ever. Following the loss, the Indian team has been under heavy scrutiny, with fans and pundits questioning the side’s preparation for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Not only this, but India’s participation in the WTC Finals 2024-25 is also doubtful.
After the series, several formal players commented on India’s performance, and among them is former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke. He appeared on the Around the Wicket Podcast where he said that the team seems to be tired. Clarke said, "Take nothing away from New Zealand but It tells me India are so fatigued. Some of their shot selection, the use of bowlers and even Rohit to come out and say he wasn't at his best - just Think it was mental fatigue. They've played so much cricket without a break, but it'll be a little kick up the backside for them.”
They'll still come here with plenty of talent and that self-belief: Clarke on India team ahead of BGT
Commenting on India’s performance at the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Clarke said that despite the loss, India will head into the tournament with self belief. The 43-year-old opined, "They know they've played well out here in Australia and they'll still come here with plenty of talent and that self-belief, but hopefully fresh. That's the key for the Indian players. Virat Kohli - you can't be that good for such a long period of time and just turn the tap off. So once he freshens up, and Rohit Sharma does the same, you'll see the best of them.”
Not only this, but the 2015 ODI World Cup winning captain also expressed his disagreement with Sunil Gavaskar’s statement about Rohit Sharma. The former Indian batter had said that Sharma should drop from captaincy role for the entire series if he misses one or two matches due to personal reasons. Clarke said, "I disagree with Sunny on that totally. Rohit Sharma is the captain of the Indian cricket team. If you need to stay at home because your wife's going to have a baby, that's such a beautiful moment and you take all the time that you need in that regard."
